KBIS 2014: Staff Picks

Each year, members of the Cabinets & Designs staff attend the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show—along with thousands of other professional kitchen and bath designers from around the country—to see the very latest industry products and trends, up close and personal. We love having the opportunity to re-connect with
the very latest design trends and products from our favorite manufacturers.

A few weeks ago, we shared some of the highlights from KBIS 2014, including the “Best of KBIS” and People’s Choice award winners. Today, the Cabinets & Designs staff has assembled our list of the products, trends, and technology that caught their eye in Las Vegas.

Bill’s Take

According to Bill Courier, tech took home the top prize for innovation. Impressed with a Charging Drawer System designed to pass UL and local building codes, Bill noted that many after-market approaches don’t pass these codes. Along those same lines, Bill was also impressed with a Charging Counter; by installing an adapter onto your phone, you can merely lay your phone on the counter surface (no plugging in or docking necessary), and your phone will be charged through the countertop!

Grace’s Take

Plenty of new products caught designer Grace Coffman’s eye, but she narrowed down her four favorites for us:

•Kohler’s Moxie Showerhead: A showerhead and wireless speaker in one; you can listen to your favorite playlists in the shower, thanks to Bluetooth technology

•Anne Sacks Market Collection: This is a collection of tiles composed of tissue paper-thin slices of fruits, and vegetables, preserved in glass. The collection includes tiles of tomato, pear, carrot, gourd, citrus, and cucumber.

•Dekton by Cosentino: This new surfacing material can be used indoors, or out; it’s highly UV-resistant, which is great for outdoors—there is no fading, it never needs to be sealed, and it’s resistant to thermal shock, which means it can be exposed to extreme cold or heat.

•Glideware: Interior organization for pots and pans—great for disorganized cabinets.

Maria’s Take

As always, Maria’s eye for detail led her to zero in on some of the coolest products being displayed on the showroom floor; a free-standing faucet for the bathtub is sleek and modern, while a toilet with a nightlight is a simple-but-brilliant, “How have they not thought of that yet?” delight.

A new finish from Katana Frameless Cabinetry also caught Maria’s eye; beginning in June, customers can opt for a super-modern, high-gloss finish. Finally, it wasn’t a “what” but a “who” that got Maria’s attention! Internationally-known kitchen designer Mick Diguilio spoke at the conference; Maria attended his presentation, and met him afterward.

It was another great experience at KBIS for the Cabinets & Designs staff. We look forward to connecting with our colleagues every year, and to connecting with you every day—join Cabinets & Designs on Facebook and Twitter!